Warriors Blown Out in Dallas, Get Swept on Road Trip

Feb 9, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors power forward Carl Landry (7) drives to the basket past Dallas Mavericks power forward Elton Brand (42) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks won 116-91. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Teams have figured something out about the Golden State Warriors. Something big. And until Mark Jackson resolves his team’s problem(s), the blowout losses, which were a common theme on Golden State’s win-less road trip, will continue to pile up. In Dallas on Saturday, the Warriors were blown out once again, 116-91.

It’s not just blowout wins that have been a point of concern lately. S;ow starts can also be added to the list of concerns, which in turn, have paved the way for these beat downs.

In each first and second quarter on this four-game road trip, the Warriors have allowed at least 30 points.

Saturday, the Mavericks did what the Rockets, Thunder and Grizzlies all did earlier in the week—or something relatively similar. They took a 14-point lead into the second quarter, marked by an 11-0 run with 5:31 remaining in the first quarter.

The Warriors came out of the locker room with a lethargic look, and the Mavs simply jumped on them. Golden State’s shots fell short (7-of-22 on field goal attempts in first), and they turned the ball over four times.

Realistically, nothing changed in the second quarter.

The Warriors couldn’t stop Dirk Nowitzki, who had 10 points in the quarter, and again struggled to shoot the ball with any sort of consistency.

The Mavericks took a 62-36 lead at the half, thanks to some stellar shooting. Dallas shot 51.2 percent (21-of-41) in the first half, including 6-of-11 3-point shooting. The Warriors, meanwhile, barely managed to shoot 0ver 30 percent.

The first half ultimately decided the game, as the Warriors couldn’t overcome the Mavs’ lead.

Yes, Golden State won the third quarter, though by a slim margin. But, the Mavericks had an answer for every run they made. For example, the Warriors came within 13 points in the third quarter, but the Mavericks proceeded to rapidly build that lead back to a comfortable spot, thanks to some easy fast-break points on leak outs.

Mark Jackson wouldn’t admit that fatigue is a factor in this week-long hiccup. And he might be right. None of the Warriors’ starters came into the game having logged a considerable amount of minutes because they had been involved in three previous blowout losses.

Whatever the issue is, the Warriors have the All-Star break approaching. No, it’s not time for Warriors fans to panic quite yet, but if past history serves as a barometer of what’s to come, then the Warriors of 2012-2013 might want to ignore the fact that the odds are against them to hold onto their playoff spot.